Sony has announced the 24mp Sony Alpha A9 Mark II, an update to the Sony Alpha A9, but what are the differences between the A9-II and the original Sony Alpha A9 from 2017? We compare the two full-frame mirrorless cameras. 

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The Sony Alpha A9, above, looks very similar to the A9 II, at first glance, but look closer and you'll start to notice differences. 

Sony Alpha A9 II vs Alpha A9 (Mark I) - What's the same? 

Both cameras offer a 24.2mp full-frame stacked BSI CMOS sensor, with high-speed continuous shooting possible, including 20fps continuous shooting with an electronic shutter, with up to 10fps continuous shooting possible using the mechanical shutter (5fps on the A9 with the mechanical shutter). 

The camera features in-camera / in-body image stabilisation, with 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation. This has been improved slightly, with the A9 II offering up to 5.5 stops of stabilisation (compared to 5.0 stops on the A9). 

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) remains the same with a 3.686m dot resolution, and 0.78x magnification. The screen is the same as well, being a 3inch tilting touch-screen, with a 1440K dot resolution. 

There are stereo microphones built-in, as well as microphone and headphone sockets on the side of both cameras. You'll also find Wi-Fi, bluetooth, and NFC built-in, as well as an ethernet socket on the side, so that sports photographers can connect directly to a network. The camera's also support FTP (File Transfer Protocol) for fast file transfers. 

Sony Alpha9 II Front

Sony Alpha A9 II vs Alpha A9 (Mark I) - What's New? 

Sony talk about the following improvements, which aren't particularly "quantifyable" in the same way that an increase in weight is, so lets start with ths following list provided by Sony, on what's been updated or improved:

• Upgraded BIONZ X image processor - said to give improved AF/AR detection, image processing, face detection and accuracy.
• Upgraded dust and moisture resistant design - with stronger sealing provided at all body seams
• Latest image-processing algorithm - to reduce noise in the medium-to-high sensitivity range, whilst also improving resolution and image quality
• Improved Image Stabilisation - 5.5stops
• Improved grip, with improved comfort, also compatible with Sony VG-C4EM vertical grip
• Improved button design and feel, with a bigger AF-ON button, refind joystick, exposure comp dial lock button, with a redesigned shape and position for rear dial
• Redesigned shutter mechanism to suppress moviement that can cause image blur (still rated for 500,000 shutter cycles)
• USB Type-C connection
• Dual media slots now both support UHS-II
• Digital audio interface has been added to the camera's multi interface show (MI shoe) to support ECM-B1M shotgun mic, or XLR-K3M.

Sony Alpha A9 II vs Alpha A9 (Mark I) - What are the main differences?

Here are some of the other differences we've found whilst looking through the specifications of the two cameras. 

The battery used on both cameras is the same, but Sony has managed to extend the battery life, slightly, for the new Sony Alpha A9 Mark II. 

Sony Alpha A9 II vs Alpha A9 (Mark I) - What are the physical differences?

There's a slight weight difference, of about 5g. However, there's a more noticeable difference in the size, as the A9 II is bigger in all directions, with a larger grip, which follows the same body design as the 61mp Sony A7R Mark IV.

Onto the visual tour: 

The rear of both cameras is very similar,  but there is a Larger AF-On button, and improved grip on the joystick of the A9-II. The design is now matching the A7R IV on the rear as well. 

Note the A9 logo position, and how it's now been moved to the top of the camera. 

Sony Alpha A9 II Top (above), and the A9 (Mark I) below:

On top - there are a few subtle changes, to the layout of the rear command dial, and the exposure compensation dial is now locking. The C1 / C2 buttons have been altered slightly, with the raised bump removed. The grip is clearly larger. The shutter release button has been updated as well. 

See if you can spot any more differences that we might have missed, and read our Sony Alpha A9 review here.